‘Every tonne of waste we dump is a job we bury’ — Dr Siaw Agyepong

Dr Siaw Agyepong has called for a shift in how Ghana manages its waste, arguing that discarded materials should be viewed as economic resources capable of creating jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to national development.

“Every tonne of waste we dump is a job we bury,” he said, highlighting the employment and investment opportunities that could be generated through recycling, waste recovery and other forms of sustainable waste management.

His remarks underscore growing calls for Ghana to move away from a disposal-focused approach and embrace a circular economy in which materials are reused, recycled and converted into useful products rather than sent to landfills.

Waste management remains a major environmental and public health concern in many Ghanaian communities, where inadequate disposal systems, plastic pollution and poorly managed dumping sites can contribute to flooding, sanitation problems and environmental degradation.

However, materials commonly discarded as waste—including plastics, paper, metals, glass and organic matter—can provide raw materials for recycling companies and other enterprises.

A stronger recycling industry could create employment opportunities for waste collectors, sorting workers, transport operators, processing companies and manufacturers. Organic waste can also be converted into compost, while certain waste streams can be processed to produce energy or other useful materials.

Such activities could create opportunities for young people and small businesses while reducing pressure on landfills and improving environmental conditions.

Dr Agyepong’s comments point to the importance of treating waste management as an economic activity rather than solely a sanitation responsibility. Achieving this would require investment in collection systems, recycling facilities, appropriate technology and public education.

Government support could include incentives for recycling businesses, stronger enforcement of waste regulations and partnerships with private companies to improve waste collection and processing.

At the same time, households and businesses would need to separate waste more effectively, while manufacturers could help reduce waste by designing products and packaging that are easier to reuse or recycle.

Despite the opportunities, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited financing and inconsistent waste separation continue to affect recycling efforts.

Dr Agyepong’s message reinforces the need for a more sustainable approach that connects environmental protection with job creation and industrial development.

If Ghana can turn more discarded materials into valuable resources, waste management could become an important source of employment, business growth and environmental improvement.

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